Medical Assistant, IndianapolisKevin

“For years, my friends and family would tell me that I should go back to school. I always wanted to, but I’m 42 and have two children, which I think held me back because I wanted to make sure they had everything that they needed before I did something for myself.

Before I came to Brightwood, I was a custodian and a football coach at North Central High School. I played football for a long time, and I even had my stint in the World League, which is the training ground for the NFL; like the D-League in basketball. But then I lost my job. I was on unemployment and I didn’t know what to do. I was stressing out, and so I moved in with my mother.

While I was online looking for jobs, I discovered Brightwood College. I gave them a call and decided to visit. That day, I signed up for the Medical Assisting program. Now, 10 months later, here I am.

For me, I’ve always been interested in the medical field. I loved watching surgical programs and have always found that stuff very fascinating. So far, there haven’t been too many challenges. When I first started doing punctures and drawing blood, I was a little nervous and shaky. It’s easy to do on the dummy but can get a little nerve-wrecking on a real person. You just have to remind yourself to be fluid. Now it’s second nature. I can just find the person’s vein and do what I need to do. In five weeks, I graduate and then I go to my externship. After my externship I’ll be a certified medical assistant. Ultimately, I would love to work in sports medicine. But honestly, I’ll do anything. I’ll work with pediatrics. I’ll work with the elderly. I’ll do what I need to do.

“When I first started doing punctures and drawing blood, I was a little nervous and shaky.”

I am doing this for my children. I want to show them that you can accomplish your goals. I hold them to a high standard in school and expect them to do the very best they can. If you set expectations, then you should lead by example. Just like at work, you wouldn’t ask your subordinates to do something you wouldn’t do. It’s the same thing with your children. You would never ask your children to do something you didn’t do. You should always try to set an example or at least explain why they should do their best to do well in school. I want them to have better than I did.

Besides my children, I also went to school for my brothers and my mother. They are my main support system and were the ones who always put the idea of going back to school in my head. The idea they planted in my head finally exploded inside me and I was like, ‘You’re right. I need to go.’ So I did.

“I am doing this for my children. I want to show them that you can accomplish your goals.”

The teachers also offer a ton of support. If you have the drive, there is no way you can fail. I’m not saying you don’t have to do the work, but if I had a question, they were on call 24 hours a day. You can call, email, and text. At Brightwood, you have so many outlets and so many different informative people around that can help you. So don’t be shy — come ask.

My advice for other students going back to school would be to take that leap of faith. At the end of the day, it’s going to pay off. I think that everybody should be educated in something. Even if you want to be in food service for the rest of your life, don’t just stop at serving — move up! You can go to school to learn how to be a manager. Get a degree so you don’t have to start at entry level. Even now, I can already feel the dividends, and I haven’t even graduated. I can just feel my life going up and up. If you have the drive, you should do it. Go do it.”

Richard, Nashville“I’ve got to give my children something to look at so that they feel proud of me.”

Sandy, Nashville“I spent a good portion of my life in shelters, churches and people’s homes.”

Are you a Brightwood College student, graduate or staff member?We’d love to hear your story!

“It has taken me three tries and three different schools to find a place that I enjoy and a career field I love.”

Anna, Friendswood Student

“Technology has always interested me, as well as taking things apart and putting them back together.”

Cory, El Paso Instructor

“I endeavor to remind students that life will happen with or without your personal satisfaction. Do something worthwhile. Do something you love.”

Terra, Fort Worth Dean

“I realized that college parties, the traditional classroom setting, and being far from home was not for me. I knew I wanted to continue with a career path that would help people and benefit society.”

Natalie, Indianapolis Student

“My daughter motivates me every single day. I want the best future for her. I want to show her anything is possible and to go after your goals.”

Jazmine, Fort Worth Student

“No matter how hard my circumstances were, I never gave up.”

Taviona, Riverside Graduate

“My motivation comes from seeing my students succeed.”

Pamela, HammondSenior Admissions Representative

“My children motivate me. Their father died when they were 7 and 11. Now I must provide a life for them on my own.”

Rachel, Dayton Graduate

“I was afraid because I have been out of school for a very long time and was doubting myself, but I knew I needed to go back to school.”

Kimberly, Indianapolis Student

“I chose the medical field because I want to be able to help people. You have to have a good heart and a lot of patience to work in this field.”

Monica, CharlotteStudent

“My children are my world, and I want them to see their mom as a successful person.”

Guadalupe, Modesto Student

“I enjoy watching students evolve and become responsible, hard-working individuals.”

Kendra, Fort WorthStudent Finance Support Specialist

“I have worked in Career Development for over five years and still have the same passion for helping our students as I did on day one. Improving the outlook of someone's life motivates me.”

Athenai, Fort Worth Staff Member

“I loved my careeer in healthcare. Now I love passing on the knowledge and real-world experiences to my students.”

Margie, Fort Worth Instructor

“You have to believe in yourself and believe that you are worth it every step of the way.”

Stephanie, Fort WorthInstructor

“As a first-generation American, first-generation college graduate, and having been a young parent, I am motivated to help my students, many of whom share a similar life experience.”

Alex, Chula Vista Campus President

“Having three small children hasn't always been easy, but striving to make sure they are secure is what drives me.”

Audreyona, IndianapolisStudent

“No matter what difficulties you face in life there is always hope. Tomorrow is another day with new opportunities. Love life, love people, love yourself. You are worth it.”

Amber, Modesto Student

“I always wanted to go back to school but it seemed impossible working full-time and taking care of four children. My kids are the reason I chose this field. They have a lot of problems with their teeth, and after so many treatments, I found out this career is very interesting.”

Mirla, Indianapolis Student

“I proved to myself that obstacles do come your way, but when you have your mind set on what you want you will achieve it. I’m now a dental assistant!”

Paula, Corpus Christi Graduate

“I make it my mission to create a campus culture of family and a sense of belonging. We know our students' names, we know their stories, we know what makes them smile. We listen to our students, and we recognize them for changing their life and making it happen!”

Shaheen, Fort Worth Staff Member

“I am motivated by my students who are enrolled to make a better life for themselves and their families. It motivates me watching them overcome many life obstacles and cross that finish line and graduate. The strength of my students is amazing!”

Marianne, Fort Worth Staff Member

“The proudest moment of my life was when I had my first interview and they offered me the job. I am happy with the place, and I love my job!”

Mariana, Charlotte Graduate

“If I can’t be in the Marine Corps anymore and protecting my country, I might as well be protecting people from something else — bad teeth!”

Audrey, Vista Student

“I get to help students take that next step and push themselves to be more than they thought they could.”

Joe, El Paso Career Development Specialist

“I help students take the leap every day. The difference is that I refuse to let them fall. I believe in their success!”

Latanya, CharlotteAdmissions Representative

“No matter what may ever happen to you in life, you can pull yourself out.”

Brittany, NashvilleStudent

“I have always been in love with the dental field.”

Tyshawna, Indianapolis Student

“Students motivate me every day. A chance to speak to them and show them that they do have a chance is extremely rewarding to me.”

Elizabeth, Fort WorthStudent Finance Support Specialist

“I came to the United States searching for a future with my husband and two little boys. I wasn't sure how I was going to speak another language or where to start seaching for a job. I learned the language and got more confident about myself, but I felt like I was incomplete. I needed a career.”

Leslie, Laredo Graduate

“My parents are both immigrants. Being the first in my family to go to college has made my parents proud.”

Leonor, Vista Student

“My proudest moment was the first day I walked into class and found my place in life.”

Catherine, Fort Worth Student

“I chose the Medical Assistant program because I love to help people move forward.”

Rosetta, Fort Worth Student

“I needed to do something hands-on and slightly behind the scenes. So I chose pharmacy technician. The job I am doing is a perfect fit for me.”

Bright, San Antonio - San Pedro Graduate

“Always follow your dreams even if it seems as if you could never accomplish them. Nothing is impossible!”

Gisselle, Las Vegas Student

“How can I make a difference today? That’s my daily question. Coming from circumstances that shaped me into who I am today, I want to give back in a way most of us truly need.”

Kimberly, Fort WorthCareer Development Specialist

“My kids and my grandkids motivate me. I want them to be able to know, no matter your age or situation, never give up on your dreams.”

Yvonne, Dayton Student

“I know what it’s like to lose everything then work hard to make a good life for myself and my children. It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. It’s not who you are, it’s who you can become.”